Remembering Elvis Presley on the 35th anniversary of his death

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Elvis Presley, August, 1970

35 years ago today, on August 16th, 1977, Elvis Presley died. A Web Site called The Boot has published an article entitled “Elvis Presley Remembered by Country Musicians on 35th Anniversary of His Death” that you may wish to explore.

Here at the ‘Disco we’ll remember the man by enjoying a short performance from August, 1970 where The King sings “In the Ghetto” on a Las Vegas stage. While, I’ve certainly seen more spirited renditions of the tune by Presley, his voice is still sounding sweet and he’s still in sleek shape. “And his mama cried…”

The Boot Quote:

“‘I love Elvis, and I’m very proud of him and that whole Tennessee connection, even though he was born in Tupelo (Miss.),’ says Dolly Parton. ‘Elvis had an influence and certainly an impact on everybody, including me.'”

Elvis Presley, “In the Ghetto,” from the “That’s the Way It Is” documentary, 1970

Elvis Presley Wiki, IMDb

Show Toppers: ‘Angie’ (1979-’80)

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‘Angie.’ Finding freedom in a Philadelphia coffee shop,1979

Angie debuted on ABC on February 8th, 1979 and ran until October of 1980.

Angie Falco, played by Donna Pescow (Saturday Night Fever), is a working class waitress until she meets and falls in love with a wealthy customer, Dr. Bradly Benson, played by Robert Hays (Airplane!). The two get hitched and the merging of the two families creates opportunities for comedy of the situation variety.

Angie co-stars include Debralee Scott (Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Welcome Back, Kotter) as Marie Falco and Doris Roberts as Theresa Falco.

‘Angie’ Season One Intro (1979)

Angie Wiki, IMDb

Previously, on Show Toppers: McCloud (’70-’77)

Happy (belated) Birthday, Steve Martin

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Steve and Johnny, November 21st, 1978

It has just come to my attention that yesterday was Steve Martin’s 67th birthday. Let’s celebrate the beloved actor/writer/comedian/musician by viewing a clip from the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson which originally aired on November 21st, 1978.

Happy Birthday, Steve and many happy returns!

Steve Martin Wiki, SteveMartin.com

(Thanks, Mental Floss.)

A Bruce Lee Moment: Destroying O’Hara

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The calm before the storm of blows. Bruce Lee, ‘Enter the Dragon,’ 1973.

Hey, kung fu kiddies! It’s time for a “Bruce Lee Moment.” On this debut fist-flashing installment we watch as Bruce Lee metes out well-deserved revenge upon the horrid O’Hara.

This glorious moment is ripped from 1973’s Enter the Dragon. Bruce Lee died on July 20th, 1973. Enter the Dragon was released in Hong Kong on July 26th, 1973 and in the US on August 17th, ’73.

Enter the Dragon Wiki, IMDb

*Note: Lee’s moves aren’t really Kung Fu. They’re Jeet Kune Do, his own special blend.

‘Welcome Back, Kotter”s Ron Palillo Has Died

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Ron Palillo (left) with John Travolta. ‘Welcome Back, Kotter,’ 1977.

Sad to hear that actor Ron Palillo, best known for playing Arnold Horshack on TV’s Welcome Back, Kotter, has died today at the age of 63. According to CNN, Palillo died of a heart attack in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

If you’re a child of the 1970s, or simply a fan of classic sitcoms, you probably enjoyed Palillo’s Horshack character and well remember his “Ooh, ooh, ooh, Mr. Kotter!” exhortations while raising his hand to be called upon and that distinctive “Hyun, hyun hyun” laugh. Thanks for the good times and entertainment, Mr. Palillo!

Fellow actor and “Sweathog,” Robert Hegyes, passed away in January of this year.

CNN Quote:

“Palillo died of a heart attack in the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, area, where he had moved to live near his mother and was active in the theater, his agent, Scott Stander, told CNN.

He was best known for his role as one of the ‘Sweathogs’ — remedial students at a Brooklyn high school — on the 1975-79 show, which starred Gabe Kaplan and launched the career of fellow Sweathog John Travolta.”

Welcome Back, Kotter Wiki, IMDb

Trailer Tuesday: Lucky Lady

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“Gun moll” Liza Minnelli in Lucky Lady, 1975

Lucky Lady stars Liza Minnelli, Gene Hackman and Burt Reynolds as a team of rum runners in Prohibition-era San Diego. The movie, directed by Stanley Donen, hit theaters on Christmas day, 1975.

The story goes that Gene Hackman wasn’t interested in doing the movie but eventually gave in when his pay-out hit $1.25 million.

My dad took me to see this pic when I was but a wee lad and I remember enjoying it. Heck, it was a period gangster piece with Tommy guns blasting and boats exploding. The charming cast also helped keep me enthralled and I was glad Robby Benson had a role. I was a fan of Benson’s after seeing his teenage love story, Jeremy (1973).

After the credits rolled on Lucky Lady and we exited the theater, I told my dad how much I’d enjoyed it. I asked if he liked it too and he mumbled something like “Oh, yeah.” I could tell he hadn’t felt the same way. I haven’t seen Lucky Lady since. I wonder if it holds up when viewed as an adult. Time to find out.

Lucky Lady Wiki, IMDb